The Polite Perspective

Good first impressions are usually a lot less about having the perfect elevator pitch and more about having genuine curiosity and the ability to listen. The little things people notice right away are often surprisingly simple, and thankfully, most of them can be practiced. So before your next networking event, wedding reception, or company retreat, take a little time to think about how you manage these small but important habits. A woman shaking hands at a networking event. C

Money conversations make lots of us nervous. We will talk about our relationships, our careers, and even our health before we willingly open up about our bank accounts. But in the real world, these conversations are bound to come up. That is why it is important to have a plan before the bill arrives, your next group trip begins, or you chat with that nosy neighbor. Here are five common situations and some graceful ways to navigate them with your manners and boundaries intact.

As a fan of George Costanza, I am all for leaving on a high note. But if you find yourself trying to dip out of conversations after a few moments, this month I am challenging you to stay focused, take your time, and create a deeper connection. A few simple changes can help. Paying attention, showing curiosity, and staying engaged a little longer can turn small talk into a friendship, a business deal, or any number of opportunities. Here are five sure-fire ways to keep the con

Most of us spend a large part of our lives at work, yet we often treat relationships there as secondary to performance. But countless studies show that our emotional ties to others shape our health and happiness. If that is true, then the way we interact at work deserves more attention than it gets. Prosocial behavior is the term researchers use to describe voluntary actions intended to benefit others. Traditionally, it includes things like helping, sharing, cooperating, and

We have all been on both sides of a nosy question. Sometimes one slips out of our mouths without much thought. Other times, we are the ones being asked something that feels a little too personal. If you are a people pleaser, you might answer out of habit, even when the question makes you uncomfortable. Learning how to respond to nosy questions without sounding rude takes practice, especially when you have spent years feeling responsible for others' feelings. For me, this has